East Gippsland News Weekend

17 November 2024 | East Gippsland News Weekend Ben Cruachan Walking Club has been out and about, exploring some unique parts of Gippsland. After a week of patchy weather including some dramatic storms, Sunday morning promised to be a great day for walking with a clear day, no wind or rain and a maximum of 19 degrees forecast. So a select group of five took a pleasant drive to the Mt Worth State Park. The leader had planned an anti-clockwise circuit taking in the Moonlight Creek, Link and Waterfall Bower tracks. Hikers commenced the walk at the picnic area and after a short distance were heading in a roughly west direction on the Moonlight Creek track with tree ferns to the left of them, tree ferns to the right of them and towering mountain ash overhead. It is worth (no pun intended) mentioning that from 1920 to 1940, 12 timber mills operated in this area intent on stripping it of the valuable and extremely large old growth mountain ash trees. Fortunately, a few of these magnificent monsters were left, possibly for seed trees, and survive to this day. The now regenerated forest of mountain ash, silver wattle and blackwood thrives in an area with an annual rainfall of 2,000mm (two metres). One hiker, who is a skilled wood worker, found themselves on more than one occasion quietly wondering how many potential dining tables were in these trees. After around three kilometres, a short side track led hikers to a stunning waterfall which made for a great photo opportunity and morning tea stop before the challenging climb on the Link Track. Having caught their breath, hikers travelled a short distance to the turnoff for the Waterfall Bower Track, described by Parks Victoria as "for the more experienced walker". At the track junction, they met a walking group from the Frankston area looking very relaxed and enjoying their lunch stop. They collectively agreed this was a great place for lunch prior to tackling the "experienced walker" track. As predicted, the Waterfall Bower Track was extremely muddy with several steep slopes to negotiate with the aid of strategically located ropes and hand rails. The pay-off was the magical environment which included mossy tree trunks, tree ferns, ground ferns and creeks. The highlight was a waterfall which once again provided great photo opportunities. Hikers caught up with their new found Frankston friends at the junction of the Gardiners Mill Track and collectively decided to walk that track as well; a small group of five is great for making quick and unanimous decisions. Back at the car, hikers changed their boots and then proceeded to Yarragon for a cuppa and/or ice cream before a pleasant drive home, heads still brimming with visions of tree ferns, tall trees and mud. It was a stunning day at Mt Worth State Park. Anyone who is considering joining Ben Cruachan Walking Club are encouraged to look at the website, which lists upcoming walks and the options for guest hikers. Walkers visit Mt Worth State Park FOR ALL YOUR CONCRETE SUPPLY NEEDS WITHIN BAIRNSDALE & SURROUNDS 0457 001 077 171 Bosworth Road, Bairnsdale sales@rivieraconcrete.com.au OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY EN14909 1300 669 129 34 Rovan Pl, Bairnsdale VIC 3875 We come find you so the big boys can pull you out rrrrjensupholstery@bigpond.com Jens: 0402 006 268 | Maureen: 0402 001 593rrrrrr • Our Services: • Loose covers • Car roof linings • Car seats • Motorbike & ATV seats • Foam cut to size • Upholstery fabrics • Leather, canvas and vinyls • Distributors of: EN25694 30 years in business Celebrating COMMUNICATIONS & ELECTRICAL SERVICES EAST GIPPSLAND •Domestic •Commercial •Industrial •Rural Text or call 0428 717 320 info@powerwavesolutions.com.au www.powerwavesolutions.com.au CONTACT US

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTU5ODU=